A recent study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal by Doyon et al. (2024) sheds light on a critical but rare complication in aesthetic medicine: blindness following filler injections. Here’s a quick breakdown for busy aesthetic professionals:
Key Highlights:
- Frequency: Blindness is a rare but devastating complication, with 365 new cases reported between 2018-2023.
- High-Risk Areas: The nose, forehead, and glabella (area between the brows) are most susceptible.
- Hyaluronic Acid: The most commonly used filler (79.6%) was also implicated in most blindness cases.
- Warning Signs: Ptosis (drooping eyelid), ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of eye muscles), pain, and skin changes are red flags.
- Limited Recovery: Only 6% achieved complete vision recovery, highlighting the critical need for early intervention.
- Treatment: Hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler, steroids, and clot-busting drugs were the most used treatments, but none showed statistically significant improvement.
Actionable Insights:
- Prevention is Paramount: Thorough knowledge of facial anatomy, especially the danger zones like the arterial supply to the eye, is crucial for safe filler injection.
- Immediate Action is Key: Early recognition of vision problems and prompt referral to an ophthalmologist can significantly improve recovery chances.
- Transparency with Patients: Discuss the potential risks, including blindness, during consultations and obtain informed consent.
The Bottom Line:
Blindness from fillers is a serious complication, but with proper training, safe injection practices, and immediate intervention, the risk can be minimized. Remember, patient safety is paramount, and early action can make all the difference.
SOURCE: Aesthetic Surgery Journal
